Mergers and Acquisitions

Approximately 75% to 80% of US acquisitions fail to perform to management expectations. What may look good on paper and make enormous sense - logically, strategically, and financially, can become a disaster in reality because of the unmeasured, underestimated impact of the "soft" side of the equation, i.e., people, culture, vision, mission, values, structure, roles, responsibilities, and timing.

Twenty-two months after acquiring WordPerfect, Novell Nouveau sold the company for $115 million, less than one-twentieth of its original purchase cost. According to Bob Frankenberg, chief executive of Novell Nouveau, "The cultures were very, very different." From AT&T and NCR to Smithkline Beecham and Diversified Pharmaceutical Services, hard dollar mergers can be readily undone by the "softest" dollar aspects of business.

The Howland Group’s integrated approach to managing mergers and acquisitions:

Focuses on what it takes to be counted among the successful 20 to 25%.
Addresses the specific needs of client organizations.
Effects positive change in the newly acquired and acquiring entities.
Establishes a baseline of change elements to be managed.
Promotes maximum involvement of key stakeholders and their constituents.
Enhances understanding of the "human equation" in business combinations.
Identifies specific tools for measuring and managing change.

We’re making it easier for firms like yours to realize the kinds of returns of clients like ours. And, while every assignment is different, you can improve the potential for success with your M&As. Call or contact us for further information. You can’t afford not to.